Introduction

Next time you attend one of Kirstenbosch’s summer sunset concerts, see if you can spot the Afrotropical Ficus polita subsp. polita, growing on the concert lawn.

Description

Description

This evergreen, hemi-epiphytic tree is a strangler, but later a free-standing tree and can grow up to 30 m tall. The stem is straight and buttressed. The spreading crown is round, and can reach up to 40 m in diameter. The pale to dark grey bark flakes off in small sections. The alternate leaves are broadly ovate, shiny bright green above and light green beneath. Concealed within the fig (an enclosed inflorescence) are the tiny florets. The figs are smooth, usually in clusters and purple-green when ripe and found on the main stem or branches in summer, from September to February.

Conservation Status

Status

According to the website http://redlist.sanbi.org checked on 25 November 2015 the conservation status of this plant is Least Concern (LC).

Distribution and habitat

Distribution description

Ficus polita subsp. polita occurs at an altitude of 15–300 m in South Africa, found in KwaZulu-Natal, Swaziland, Mozambique, Madagascar and westwards through West Africa. It is occurs in coastal forests or coastal woodlands, but also in evergreen rain forests. It prefers a frost-free area with adequate rainfall.

Derivation of name and historical aspects

History

As polita in Latin means ‘polished’, the species name refers to its glossy leaves.

The genus Ficus consists of ± 750 species, with ± 100 species occurring in Africa and Madagascar. Within South Africa 25 species of Ficus occur, including one endemic, Ficus bizanae Hutch. & Burtt-Davy. Ficus polita subsp. polita is often mistaken for Ficus bizanae.

Ecology

Ecology

This tree often commences life as an epiphyte (a non-parasitic plant that grows on another plant). Aerial roots from the lower lateral branches reach the ground, and develop into trunks. Eventually the tree it was growing on dies off, as growth is accelerated. Ficus polita subsp. polita is dependent on a specific wasp, Courtella bekiliensis Risbec subsp. bispinosa Wiebes., for propagation and survival. This fig wasp has an obligate mutualistic relationship with the fig, as it can breed only inside the fig. Once the fig ripens it is eaten by birds, bats and monkeys, which assist in the dispersal of the seed.

Uses

Use

This tree can be grown as a living hedge, and provides food, shade and medicine. The fruits and leaves are edible, and the fruits are chewed for dyspepsia. The leaves, bark and root infusions are used in the treatment of bacterial microbial infections.

Growing Ficus polita subsp. polita

Grow

It is an attractive tree with glossy leaves and a pleasing shape that will provide shade where needed. Be careful not to plant this tree near to a building, walls or paving as these trees can get quite large and the roots can cause damage to paving and foundations. Water the tree regularly during the first two years of its life and in summer, as it does not like a dry environment. Mealy bugs, spider mites and scale insects are pests to look out for. This species can also be grown indoors in bright indirect light, filtered light and a high humidity. Remember to fertilize the potted plant once a month with a water soluble fertilizer and keep it away from drafts.

Ficus polita subsp. polita can be grown from seed or cuttings. Ripe figs should be opened and allowed to dry for a day or two, the seeds removed and sown in spring or early summer. Use a well-drained, sandy soil medium, cover the seeds lightly, keep them moist and place in a warm, well-aired and brightly lit spot. Germination generally takes 2-4 weeks. Move the seedlings into the sun when they are about one week old and pot them up into rich, well-drained soil when they are strong enough to handle.

Take truncheon cuttings in summer. Plant one third of their length in well-drained, sandy soil mixed with compost.